By Efe Onodjae

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that empower and assist vulnerable and less privileged individuals within the state.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the OAK Centre Prime in Oolo Town in Oolo, on the Ogbomoso expressway, the governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Inspector General of Education for Ogbomoso Zone 1, Revd (Dr) Paul Oyedokun, said the initiative aligned with his administration’s agenda to support the physically challenged and less privileged.

While expressing his government’s readiness to partner with such programs, he commended the Chief Responsibility Officer, Oakonsult Centre Prime, Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye for her initiative, adding that the project reflected her foresight in planning for the future .

He said: “I commend this great initiative. It is in line with the state government’s commitment to supporting the less privileged. This public-private partnership model is one the government is keen to support. Since inception, this administration has integrated the less privileged into governance, even appointing some into the civil service,” he stated.

The Governor lauded the efforts of the Oololo of Oolo, Oba Michael Oyebunmi Oyegbami IV, for his visionary gesture in donating a 35-acre land which he described as a catalyst for the groundbreaking OAK Centre Prime project.

In his remarks, the Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, described the project as laudable and pledged his full support to ensure its success

Describing the establishment of OAK Centre Prime as a significant milestone for the Oolo community, he urged all sons and daughters of Oolo and Ogbomoso to protect and support the project, by ensuring its structures and facilities were well maintained.

In a sermon centered on love, Rt. Revd. Simeon Onaleke of the Methodist Church, Agodi Diocese, Ibadan, highlighted the importance of caregiving as a divine responsibility and a cornerstone of nation-building.

According to him, “Caregiving is the first attribute of God, and Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye has taken up this noble task to support the less privileged in our society.”
On his part, Oololo of Oolo, Oba Oyegbami IV, explained that his donation of the 35-acre land was in support of Mrs. Adeloye’s vision to serve the less privileged, even as he urged all stakeholders to rally behind the vision to ensure its success.

In her speech, Mrs. Adeloye attributed the project to the memory of her late daughter, whom she alleged was medically mismanaged in Nigeria and later lived in the UK for 16 years before passing.
She said “This project is to honor her memory. She lived a fulfilled life. No life is worthless. Even though people with disabilities may do things differently, they are capable of achieving greatness. This institution will provide them with the care and love they deserve,” she said.

She clarified that OAK Centre Prime was not just a building but a haven for support and empowerment, calling on the government and wealthy individuals to support the project.

“This project is estimated to cost billions of naira. But we believe it is God’s will, and what He orders will be fulfilled. We trust that all the resources needed to transform this site and the community will be provided,” she said.

She revealed a five-year development plan for the Centre, with the hope that operations will commence within the next three years and that full capacity will be achieved by the fifth year.

The event was attended by the wife of the Osun State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Olusola Adewusi; traditional rulers among who were the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye; community members, clergy, and other dignitaries.